UK Book Market Research Firm Acquired

US publishing industry information firm Bowker has acquired UK-based market research specialist BML (Book Marketing) from Publishing News Ltd. Terms were not disclosed.

BML, which is based in London, has been providing qual and quant data on British book buying behaviour for the past 20 years. The firm, which is best known for its Books & Consumers surveys and BookZone Research Panel, offers customised ad hoc consultancy, syndicated work, and ongoing consumer panel research to UK publishers and retailers.

Bowker's Publishing Services runs a similar consumer information service in the US called PubTrack Consumer, which provides insight into consumer book buying behaviour. Panel-based and launched in 2007, it provides feedback from more than 40,000 book consumers annually.

Bowker's VPO of Publishing Services, Kelly Gallagher, said that BML is a 'great strategic fit' with his firm's Business Intelligence Division, and added that the acquisition will help it grow its international footprint.

BML's entire staff will move to Bowker's central London office from next Monday.

'I'm delighted that BML has found a new and congenial home,' stated BML MD, Jo Henry. 'We have enjoyed working with Bowker Publishing Services on a number of projects recently and look forward to working more closely with them as we develop and enhance the range of services we offer.'

Web sites: www.bowker.com and www.bookmarketing.co.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.